Hey, still workin on the boat, and saving up for college so money is thin. Is the Eagle Cuda 168 FF any good, i just need basics.

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=45175&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=FEATURE_MARINE&cm_sp=45175-_-Location3-_-6%2023%2006

The big fish finders are great, but you won't find one for $69. Any fish finder that can help you figure out how deep the water is, and where the drop-offs are will be a big help, especially in the heat of summer when the bass go deep. I looked at the cuda, but went with a PihranaMAX20, I can't remember why, but it has helped put fish in the boat.

I have a Cuda 168EX and used it for about 3 years.  Basically the same unit but has a larger screen.  It was recommended to me by the Cabela's rep when I told him I just wanted a good basic unit.  I think it was like $99 when I bought it.  I have it on a 14' aluminum boat that I usually fish in small lakes that for the most part max out at 20' deep.

I was very happy with it.  It has served me well and was a decent value and durable for the most part.  The only negative I have to say about it is that it gets goofey sometimes and will start showing depths that I know are wrong but that can be a problem with any unit.  I suspect it was due to some interference.  It only happens on occasion and usually a quick re-start of the unit solves it, though sometimes not.

Generally it shows the depth/structure and the fish well.  It has been a great "starter" unit and I've learned alot from using it as opposed to none at all.

That being said, I recently bought a new boat that was rigged with a Lowrance X52, not top of the line by any means.  The first thing I noticed was how much of a difference more levels of gray scale make as well as more pixels.  My old cuda only had 4 levels of grey.  The X52 has 16.  It really helps make out cover on the bottom, bait fish, bottom composition and separates fish from other objects.  Even though the screen on the Lowrance is smaller than my Cuda it has more pixels which shows detail better.  

I know what it is like saving for college so if your budget is limited to the Cuda I'd say it is a good buy to get you through to graduation and your first big payday.  If you can afford a little more now, go for a unit with more grey levels and pixels.  If not the Cuda should serve you well and is 1000X better than no unit at all.  

Good luck!

I also have one of these units on my boat that I use to fish small lakes.  In my opinion it is a very good unit for the price.  I would recommend it for someone on a budget looking to buy a basic unit.

k thanks guys, im also looking for a cheap trolling motor, ive heard foot pedals are a good idea, is it worth it to spend the extra buck, or will a bow handle thrust one fine

thanks

If you can rig one up (this could be difficult to bow mount on a v hull without a deck, don't know what type of boat we are talking about)  I'd go with the foot control especially if you are fishing artificial bait.  I had a hand control on mine.  You spend 50% of your time with one hand on your rod so you can be adjusting the motor with the other, worse if it is windy.  Really cuts down on your effiecincy covering water.  You spend more time adjusting than you do fishing.

So go with the foot control if $ and rigging aren't too much of an obsticle.

The Cuda is basic...

I use it as my trolling ( front) graph...and I use it mostly for depth and bottom detail...having already found structure and more detailed info with my main graph.

Personally, I would spend a few extra bucks and get the Eagle 320, around $130.  It will have much better resolutions and show much more detail.  It also has a larger screen and is very easy to use.